John Austin Slade Responds to Global Actions of Anti-Biotechnology Groups

PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 12, 2012

As Americans become more focused on nutrition and environmental protection, many citizens are demanding to know "what is in their food products." Much of this demand has forced activist groups, such as Greenpeace, to focus on reducing the efforts of companies, scientists and politicians that support the development of biotechnology. In short, these anti-biotechnology groups have caused concern among the public directed against genetically-modified foods or organisms (GMOs). John Austin Slade is one professional who has worked directly with the results of biotechnology and the improved food products that it can provide. He explains that this increased action against GMOs is misdirected and built on fear, as these products offer great potential to benefit countries all over the globe.

A recent article from The Wall Street Journal explains that many anti-biotechnology groups are voicing opinions on Proposition 37 in California, a vote that may require all GMO products to carry a label. John Austin Slade notes that while many voters may carry good intentions by voting "yes" on Prop 37, the required labeling may strike unnecessary fear in citizens in regards to biotechnology.

Having witnessed this argument in the industry before, John Austin Slade comments, "The current fight in California on Prop 37 is reminiscent of Prop 65, which required labeling of foods containing known or suspected carcinogens at detectable levels, regardless of how small the levels were, in reality. One outcome of this proposition was the labeling of acrylamide. While acrylamide in high doses has been linked to cancer, it is a common byproduct of baked, roasted, or fried goods and has always been in these products as long as they have been produced. Despite the increased fear regarding acrylamide, these goods have been consumed for generations (and millennia for bread) with no quantifiable impact on long term human health."

John Austin Slade encourages individuals who are concerned about the content of their food to conduct their own research to become fully-informed before they cast their vote. While anti-biotechnology groups are reportedly determined to create fear around GMOs, the article explains that these advancements in science have actually allowed countries all over the world to overcome agricultural problems regarding climate change, drought and crop-damaging viruses.

In addition, the article reveals, "The American Medical Association recently declared that 'there is no scientific justification for special labeling of bioengineered foods.' Many other organizations recognize the benefits of GMOs, ranging from the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization to the USDA and FDA."

John Austin Slade agrees with those sentiments and is an advocate for the further development of biotechnology. He concludes, "While I agree that consumers should possess information about what they are consuming, it is more important that they gain and possess knowledge, so that they can make informed choices. Prop 37, as Prop 65, does little to address that issue and only serves to create more confusion, not informed choices, amongst consumers."

ABOUT:

John Austin Slade has worked in the biotechnology industry for several years, and has helped many countries all over the world embrace the benefits of the science. Having served global markets in this field--including those in Southeast Asia, India and Australia--John Austin Slade has found that biotechnology can vastly improve virtually every area of life. John Austin Slade carries a Bachelor of Natural and Mathematical Sciences from Indiana University, and is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD.

Website: http://johnaustinslade.com/